Residents on the Russian side of the Ukrainian front line are assessing the damage caused by a breached dam and waiting for assistance from authorities. Russian officials have ordered residents of three districts to evacuate their homes due to the water surge from the collapsed Kakhovka dam. The Russian and Ukrainian governments have accused each other of causing the breach. The top Russian official in the Kherson region has declared a state of emergency and 1,500 people have been evacuated so far. The town of Nova Kakhovka has been severely affected, with water covering main streets and flooding residential areas. Locals are standing in knee-high water beside their flooded cars. The Russian-installed mayor of the town has said that up to 100 people are trapped. Water levels in Nova Kakhovka have started to recede, but 600 residential buildings, a kindergarten, a school, and a convent have been flooded, and 900 people have been evacuated. Some residents have been unable to contact their relatives in the affected areas and are seeking information in chat groups. In the village of Stara Zbur’ivka, residents are offering each other evacuation assistance in small boats.
Residents of the small Ukrainian village of Kyrylivka, located on the outskirts of the city of Dnipro, are dealing with the devastating aftermath of an uncontrolled breach of a nearby dam. Heavy rains on August 7th caused the river banks to break, flooding Kyrylivka and many neighboring towns.
A number of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes after an unimaginable deluge filled their homes, fields, and roads within minutes. Families are surveying the aftermath, many of them in shock due to the suddenness of the destruction.
Observers on the ground report that Kyrylivka villagers found the floodwaters unfit for human consumption, as the Dnipro river carried salt, sand, and other substances into the town. In addition, many buildings were damaged and reportedly full of debris, including furniture, food, and garbage.
The local government is struggling to provide assistance to the survivors, many of whom are still in shock, while also trying to implement an effective response. Lithuanian, Polish and Hungarian emergency services have offered to help and aid workers are expected to arrive soon.
The cause of the dam breach is not yet clear, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs is conducting an investigation. However, the Ukrainian government is hoping to provide quick remedies to prevent another tragedy like the one that engulfed Kyrylivka.
The residents of Kyrylivka – along with the many other towns affected- face an immense task of recovery. Thankfully, local and international aid organizations have already stepped in to help, and soon rescue teams and funds will be available. In the meantime, all that Kyrylivka villagers can do is survey their flooded homes and wait for help to arrive.
